This study posits that although the religion of Islam encourages the equality between men
and women, it appears that men are still given the level of superiority in the religion.
Whether this right is given to men through the Shariah (Islamic law), or whether they
simply assume the role of superiority is not clear. Therefore this study serves to focus on
the Muslim women’s perceptions of the gender dynamics with in the religion of Islam.
The study is located in the qualitative research tradition which allows for in-depth
description and interpretation. Individual interviews with eight Muslim women were
conducted. These interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim for thematic
content analysis. A main finding or observation is that Islam is not always practiced as
it was intended due to the patriarchal society therefore resulting in women being
oppressed. It was clear that most of the participants felt that Islamically Muslim women
are not oppressed, but culturally and considering patriarchy women in general are not
considered on an equal standing to men. From the analysis one can infer that many
Muslim women acknowledge that they are given choice and freedom within their
religion. Decisions around the wearing of hijab, becoming a working woman and
allowing one’s husband to take on another wife are all rooted in the freedom of choice.
This study highlights the gender dynamics in Islam as well as the Muslim women’s
struggle for gender equality